ATS Recommendations & Best Practices
Mirror and Match
Keywords
Use their words from their application
Match to their job title as closely as possible
Match certificates and licenses
Match educational requirements
Format Guidelines
Use standard resume sections (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills)
Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Submit in .docx or .pdf format
Avoid graphics, logos, photos, visual embellishments, etc
Avoid headers, footers, and text boxes
Don't use tables or columns
Complicated section titles e.g. "Experience" vs "What I've Done So Far"
Include page numbers if multiple pages
Keywords
Mirror language from the job posting
Include both spelled-out and acronym versions of terms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
Use industry-standard job titles
Skills Section
List both technical and soft skills
Include certifications and licenses
Specify proficiency levels
Work Experience
Use reverse chronological order
Include metrics and achievements
Start bullets with strong action verbs
Define Structure
Reverse Chronological : latest to oldest
Functional Resume : First is skills, abilities, accomplishments, then experience
Hybrid : Highlight skills and achievements, then chronological work experience
Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
Using creative designs or graphics
Submitting image-based PDFs
Including information in headers/footers
Using non-standard section headings
Relying on text boxes or WordArt
Submitting non-standard file types
Tips for Success
Customize for Each Application
Tailor keywords to each job posting
Adjust your summary for the specific role
Highlight relevant experience
Maintain Readability
Use clear, concise language
Include white space
Keep formatting consistent
Use standard bullet points
Follow Company Guidelines
Submit requested file formats
Complete all application fields
Follow length requirements
Include requested information
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